We are committed to high level biosecurity practices. These guidelines help prevent any Biosecurity Risk Material from being taken to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.

Expeditioners in blue jackets and backpacks cleaning boots on tourist ship.
Expeditioners cleaning their boots at a biosecurity checkpoint. Photo: Murray Hamilton

All expeditioners must adhere to the following guidelines.

Going to Antarctica or the sub-Antarctic

  • Ensure all clothing, footwear and personal effects are free of Biosecurity Risk Material (BRM).
  • Ensure all work equipment, including backpacks, tents and equipment bags are clean and free of BRM. This includes new items in original packaging.
  • Once clean, items must be packed in clean/new cardboard boxes or clean/new plastic bins. These boxes or bins must have all openings sealed.
  • Remove excess packaging such as paper, plastic and cardboard where possible.
  • Polystyrene beads, chips or similar packaging are prohibited in Antarctica.

In Antarctica or the sub-Antarctic

  • Ensure clothing, personal effects, packs, tents and equipment bags are cleaned between locations (such as different wildlife colonies or ice-free areas).
  • Ensure terrestrial and freshwater scientific sampling field equipment (such as lake nets) are sterilised, between sampling locations. Otherwise, use duplicate sets of equipment.
  • If you are unsure about when, where or how you should clean clothing and equipment, check with the Station Environmental Officer or email the Environmental Management unit at AADEnvironment@aad.gov.au.
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